Capacity building for providers of cognitive rehabilitation in Queensland: a needs analysis survey

Background Cognitive rehabilitation of people with traumatic brain injury is a complex and challenging area of practice. Practitioners working in cognitive rehabilitation require ongoing training to stay abreast of new research and best practice interventions. A needs analysis was conducted to inform the development of a capacity building program for cognitive rehabilitation providers. Methods A cross-sectional online survey of providers of cognitive rehabilitation services in Queensland collected data on demographic information, perceptions of knowledge, skills and confidence in cognitive rehabilitation, previously completed training, desired training opportunities and delivery methods, and barriers and facilitators to engaging in training. Results The 103 respondents included 67 occupational therapists, 17 speech pathologists, 12 psychologists and seven social workers with a broad range of practice experience. Participants perceived a need for further training, with executive function and functional cognition the most desired topics. The number of topics previously trained on was significantly correlated with levels of knowledge, skills and confidence (P   Conclusion Cognitive rehabilitation providers in Queensland reported a need for further training, delivered flexibly, with a focus on managing complex cognitive impairments.